NMSU to host food safety training courses

New Mexico State University will host two food safety training and certification courses in Albuquerque, Aug. 8-9 and Aug. 10-12, to help food manufacturers meet federal requirements.

The “Better Process Control School for Acidified Foods Only” course will take place from Aug. 8-9 at the South Valley Economic Development Center, 318 Isleta Boulevard S.W. The course satisfies the training requirement specified by FDA regulations for Acidified Foods, and is designed to provide information on critical issues that affect acidified foods production.

The Better Process Control Schools certify supervisors of thermal processing systems, acidification and container closure evaluation programs for acidified canned foods. Each processor of acidified foods must operate with a certified supervisor on hand at all times during processing.

Registration cost is $400 a person if received by Aug. 1, and $450 after Aug. 1. Fee includes textbook, instruction and testing. Lodging, meals and travel are not provided. For more information, visit the “Better Process Control School for Acidified Foods Only” course website. Online registration is available at http://aces.nmsu.edu/register/betterprocesscontrol.

A second course, “FDA, FSMA – HARPC (Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventative Control) Training & Certification,” will be offered Aug. 10-12 also at the South Valley Economic Development Center in Albuquerque. The course, developed by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, is the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA. Completion of the course meets the requirement of a “Preventive Controls Qualified Individual,” and provides participants with the knowledge needed to create a food safety plan that complies with the HARPC for Human Food rule.

Registration cost is $650 and includes a manual, certificate and light refreshments. Lodging, meals and travel costs are not included. For more information, visit the “FDA, FSMA – HARPC Training & Certification” course website.

To register for either course, call Gloria Hernandez at 575-646-2198. For more information about the courses, call Nancy Flores, Extension Food Technology Specialist, at 575-646-1179.